No bone of contention: Some men at risk of osteoporosis

INDIANAPOLIS – For those who think osteoporosis is a woman’s disease, think again. Some 2.5 million American males have it, and countless more are at risk.

“Unfortunately, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed until weak bones break,” said Stefan Monev, M.D., rheumatologist with Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Specialists at St. Francis. “However, a bone mineral density test can detect bone loss. Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors for osteoporosis or if you have lost height, your posture changes or you notice sudden back pain.”

Ways to maintain bone health:

• Don’t smoke; it’s hard on bones.

• Be sure to get 1,200 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D from diet and supplements daily. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

• Exercise regularly. Weight-bearing activities, like walking, are good choices.

Monev said it is crucial to determine the causes for low bone density at the onset of the disease and to seek immediate and appropriate treatment. Conditions such as vitamin D deficiency frequently contribute to bone loss and may require specific therapies.

Medications are available that help build bone and decrease risk of breakage in men with osteoporosis.

To learn more about rheumatology and osteoporosis services at St. Francis, visit www.stfrancishospitals.org/SFMG/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=193.

Rheumatologist offers services at 3 St. Francis locations

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Rheumatologist William Kcomt, M.D., a member of St. Francis Medical Group, will begin seeing patients at Plainfield Health Center on Fridays, effective June 5.

His office hours will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the center, located at 315 Dan Jones Road. Kcomt, who is affiliated with the Rheumatology Center at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville (1201 Hadley Road), focuses his practice on the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory muscle and joint conditions and arthritis.

He also works with patients for the management of knee, neck and low back pain; diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia; comprehensive management of shoulder pain; diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures.

Kcomt also sees patients 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Beech Grove Internal Medicine on Wednesdays. The office is located at 2030 Churchman Ave.

To schedule appointments, call 317-834-9051.

Rheumatologist joins St. Francis-based specialty group

INDIANAPOLIS – Stefan D. Monev, M.D., a member of St. Francis Medical Group, has established a practice with Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Specialists at St. Francis.

He most previously was a rheumatologist with the Medical Group of Fort Wayne. Monev held similar positions with the Aurora Medical Group (Wisconsin), University Hospitals and Clinics (Mississippi) and was an internist with County Hospital in his native hometown of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Board-certified in rheumatology and internal medicine, Monev held an academic appointment at the University of Mississippi Medical Center from 1992 to 2002.

Monev received his medical degree from Medical University in Bulgaria, and completed residencies in that country and later at Meridia Huron Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He also completed a rheumatology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Monev earned various academic honors in medical school and as an intern. He holds memberships in the Indiana State Medical Society and American College of Rheumatology.

Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Specialists at St. Francis is located at Suite 250, 8051 S. Emerson Ave., on Indianapolis’ south side. To make an appointment, call 317-888-1467.

Physician establishes practice St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – William A. Kcomt, M.D., has joined the medical staff at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville.

He comes to St. Francis from Elk Regional Health System in St. Mary’s, Pa. He also was affiliated with the Guthrie Clinic, Robert Parker Hospital, Upper Allegheny Medical Center and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, all in Pennsylvania.

A native of Lima, Peru, Kcomt earned his medical degree at the Universidad Nacional Mayor De San Marcos and completed his internal medicine residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York. He completed a fellowship in the Rheumatology Division at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2004.

Kcomt’s office is in the Rheumatology Center, Family Medical Pavilion at St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, Suite 160, 1001 Hadley Rd.

His practice focuses on the specialized management of neck pain and low back pain; diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia; comprehensive management of shoulder pain; diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and prevention of fractures; and diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory muscle and joint conditions.

Kcomt, a member of St. Francis Medical Group, joins the Mooresville hospital as it nears the completion of a $42 million expansion project. The project will be finished in mid-April and includes more private patient rooms, new surgery suites, an intensive care unit and expanded laboratory services.

The Mooresville hospital also will offer a new emergency department and a new medical office building for the Center for Hip & Knee Surgery, scheduled for opening in July.

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Photo of Dr. Kcomt available upon request